The African National Congress (ANC) will change the Broadcasting Amendment Bill to remove power from the speaker of the National Assembly in the appointment of the board of public broadcaster SABC.

This follows the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) select committee’s agreement with opposition parties and civil society organisations that such a power would mean that Parliament usurped the powers of the executive.

Once the bill is amended it will be sent to President Kgalema Motlanthe for signature. The bill provides for the removal of directors either individually or as a collective. It is expected that when the bill is law, the ANC will proceed with its vote of no-confidence in the current SABC board. (Source: Business Day)